Glow sticks are a popular item for young children. They can be used as a toy or worn as an accessory. They’re also popular during holidays like Halloween and the Fourth of July. But did you know that these fun toys may be harmful if exposed to the skin, eyes, or ingested?
Because glow sticks are often marketed as harmless and fun, adults may not realize they contain chemicals that can cause irritation if the stick breaks.
What’s inside a glow stick?
Inside a glow stick are two substances: hydrogen peroxide and a substance called dibutyl phthalate, which is a clear, oily, colorless liquid. Dibutyl phthalate is commonly used as a plasticizer, meaning it helps make plastics flexible rather than brittle. In glow sticks, it serves as a solvent for the dye and other ingredients. While it is low in toxicity, it may cause irritation to any part of the body that’s exposed to it. Watch for signs of irritation, such as redness, itching, and stomach upset.
Glow sticks also contain a dye that determines the color of the glow. These ingredients are sealed inside plastic tubing, but the casing can crack or break if bent too forcefully, chewed, or stepped on. When released, the liquid can irritate sensitive areas of the body like the eyes, mouth, or skin.
How do glow sticks work?
The two liquids are stored in separate chambers inside the glow stick: hydrogen peroxide and dibutyl phthalate mixed with a dye. When you bend the stick, a small glass vial inside breaks, allowing the chemicals to mix and react, producing light.
This chemical reaction, known as chemiluminescence, creates light without producing heat. While the glow itself is not dangerous, the liquid involved in the reaction can cause irritation if it leaks out and comes into contact with the body.
Are glow sticks toxic?
The chemicals in glow sticks are relatively low in toxicity. However, they may cause irritation to any part of the body they come into contact with, especially the eyes, mouth, or skin.
Most exposures result in no symptoms, but mild ones can occur. Children are more likely to experience irritation because of their sensitive skin and tendency to put objects in their mouths. Even though serious poisoning is unlikely, it’s still important to take proper steps if exposure occurs.
What happens if you swallow the liquid that’s inside glow sticks?
If someone swallows glow stick liquid, it may cause minor stomach upset and mouth irritation. You may even notice the person’s lips or tongue glowing briefly due to the dye. Wipe the mouth with a clean, wet washcloth and give water to drink.
In most cases, symptoms are mild and resolve on their own. For any exposure it is best to call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 to discuss your specific concerns.
What if you get it in your eye?
If glow stick liquid gets into your eyes, rinse them with room-temperature water for at least 10 minutes. Continue to watch for redness, itching, pain, or excessive tearing.
Eye exposures can be uncomfortable and may take time to improve. If rinsing is difficult, symptoms worsen, or irritation does not go away, call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate assistance.
What about your skin?
If glow stick liquid gets on the skin, remove any clothing wet with the liquid and wash exposed skin with soap and water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all residue.
Watch for signs of irritation such as redness, itching, or a burning sensation. Most skin exposures improve quickly after washing, but if symptoms persist or worsen, contact the Missouri Poison Center for advice.
Glow Stick Safety
Always supervise children while they play with glow sticks, as the plastic tubes can break easily. Children may also chew on the sticks or try to open them with their teeth, increasing the risk of exposure.
Avoid giving glow sticks to very young children, and discard any broken or leaking sticks immediately in the trash. Store unused sticks out of reach and sight until they are ready to be used.
Questions? Call the Missouri Poison Center
If you find your child with a broken glow stick, do not panic. Follow the appropriate steps for eye, skin, or ingestion exposure to reduce irritation and discomfort.
For additional questions or treatment advice, call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. Specially trained nurses and pharmacists are available to help 24 hours a day.
Allergic reactions to glow stick chemicals are uncommon, but some people with sensitive skin may experience irritation beyond mild redness or itching. If swelling, hives, or worsening discomfort occur after exposure, stop using the product and call the Missouri Poison Center.
Glow sticks are not safe for pets to chew on. While the liquid is low in toxicity, it has a very bitter taste and can cause drooling, mouth irritation, or vomiting in dogs and cats. If a pet bites into a glow stick, rinse their mouth with water and contact a veterinarian.
They do expire, usually after one to four years. Expired glow sticks may not glow as brightly and can be more prone to leaking or breaking. Storing old glow sticks increases the chance of accidental exposure, so discard any that are cracked, leaking, or past their expiration date.
They can be placed in the regular household trash. Wrap leaking sticks in paper towels before disposal to prevent skin contact. Do not pour the liquid down the drain and keep discarded glow sticks out of reach of children and pets.
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Suggested APA citation:
Missouri Poison Center Trending Topics Blog. (2022, October 03). Are Glow Sticks Toxic? Safety Tips & What to Watch For. Missouri Poison Center. https://missouripoisoncenter.org/are-glow-sticks-toxic/